New PGWP Rules: Canada Eliminates the Field-of-Study Restrictions

Starting in March 2025, international graduates of college bachelor's programs in Canada will no longer need to meet field of study requirements to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

This change simplifies the process for college graduates, aligning their eligibility criteria with those of university graduates, who have long been exempt from such restrictions.

Previously, graduates from college bachelor's programs had to complete their studies in fields linked to labour market shortages to be eligible for a PGWP.

Introduced in late 2024, this policy applied to students who obtained their initial study permits after November 1, 2024. Unlike college graduates, university graduates were exempt from these field of study requirements, leading to unequal treatment between the two types of programs.

New PGWP Eligibility Criteria

As of March 2025, the following are the updates regarding PGWP eligibility:

Field of Study Requirement

Graduates from college bachelor's programs are no longer subject to field of study requirements. However, this exemption does not apply to graduates from other college, polytechnic, or non-university programs, nor to graduates of university programs that do not fall under the categories of bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.

Language Proficiency Requirements

All PGWP applicants who apply after November 1, 2024, must meet new language proficiency standards:

• Bachelor's and Master's Degree Graduates: Must demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7.
• College/ Polytechnic or Non-university Program Graduates: Must show a CLB level 5 or NCLC level 5

Graduates from flight schools and individuals who submitted their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications before November 1, 2024, do not need to meet the updated language or field of study requirements. They are only required to fulfill the basic eligibility criteria for the work permit, making the process simpler for these applicants.

About Bachelor's Degrees in Canada

In Canada, a bachelor's degree is an undergraduate credential awarded by universities and select colleges, generally requiring 3 to 4 years of study.

These degrees equip students with specialized knowledge in various fields and serve as a foundation for further education, such as master's or doctoral programs.

To be recognized as a bachelor's degree, educational institutions must meet provincial standards and definitions.
Immigration officials at IRCC also look at the type of degree you earned and the date you applied for your study permit when deciding if you qualify for a PGWP.

Who Is Ineligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Some graduates are not eligible for a PGWP, even if they meet other criteria.

Here are the key reasons for ineligibility:

• Graduates who have previously received a PGWP cannot apply again.
• Those who studied English or French as a second language are not eligible.
• Students who took general interest or self-improvement courses do not qualify.
• Graduates who received funding from Global Affairs Canada with conditions requiring them to return to their home country are ineligible.
• Students who have completed more than 50% of their program through distance learning (not covered by COVID-19 measures) are ineligible.
• Graduates from non-Canadian institutions located in Canada are considered ineligible.
• Programs not meeting PGWP eligibility criteria, including those offered under curriculum licensing agreements, render students ineligible.

What specific fields of study are now eligible for a PGWP?

The introduction of field of study requirements for PGWP aims to align PGWP issuance with critical sectors of the Canadian economy that require skilled workers.

Currently, the specific fields of study eligible for a PGWP have expanded significantly. The recent changes mean that graduates from various programs can apply for a PGWP without being restricted to specific fields. Here are the key eligible fields of study:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Education and Social Services
• Health Care
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Transport

Graduates of college bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree programs are now exempt from field-of-study restrictions, offering greater flexibility for international students to pursue careers in their chosen fields. This change benefits those who applied for study permits after November 1, 2024, allowing them to take advantage of the broader eligibility criteria for PGWP.

How Does the PGWP Policy Change Benefit International Students?

The recent removal of the field-of-study requirement for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) will benefit over 1.04 million international students in Canada. This includes a significant number of students from India, who comprise a large portion of Canada's international student population.

The policy shift simplifies the application process, giving graduates more freedom to pursue diverse career paths after completing their studies.

By eliminating restrictions tied to specific fields of study, the change allows students to focus on programs that match their interests and strengths.

It also enhances Canada's appeal as a study destination, making it easier for colleges to attract international talent while addressing labour shortages in key sectors.

For many students, this marks a significant step toward building a future in Canada without unnecessary barriers.

Our team of overseas study experts will help you choose the right course and institution for your studies abroad. We offer personalized guidance to make the process easier and support your career goals.

Contact us for a detailed consultation to kick-start your educational journey.

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